Police briefs: Bike theft thwarted at Oak Bay High

Police were called to Oak Bay High on Feb. 5 just after 11 a.m. after the report of a man attempting to steal a bicycle from behind the gym. The man is described as being in his mid to late 40s, wearing blue jeans, a black hoodie and a toque. He was interrupted by a student just before he made it through the bike’s cable lock with a pair of bolt cutters. The suspect left the school heading west on Cadboro Bay Road.

Oak Bay police did not locate the man. Bike thefts are not uncommon from local schools and public areas and bike owners are reminded that cable locks can be defeated relatively easily compared to U-locks and that quick release seats and wheels should also be secured. The OBPD is actively investigating these thefts and say further enforcement plans are in the works.

Alert resident raises alarm

An alert citizen noticed two suspicious men in Bowker Creek park to the west of Hampshire Road, on Feb. 7, around 9:30 a.m. The men looked like they were stripping a bike for its pieces. Police caught one of the men as he was leaving the area. The 37-year-old male first lied about his name but was subsequently identified. Oak Bay police plan to request a warrant for his arrest on a charge of obstructing a police officer.

Oak Bay police remind residents that registering a bike helps them return it and ensure suspects are charged with possession of stolen property.

Police issue pair of impaireds

Shortly after midnight on Feb. 8 a vehicle was stopped in the 2000 block of Cadboro Bay Road for speeding and having a burnt out headlight. The 20-year-old “Novice” driver smelled of liquor and provided samples of his breath that showed his ability drive was affected by alcohol. He received a three day prohibition from driving and his vehicle was towed.

An officer’s attention was drawn to a vehicle speeding on Bowker Avenue towards Beach Drive on Friday, Feb. 9 around noon. Upon stopping the vehicle, it was determined that the woman driving was impaired. She lost her licence for 90 days and her vehicle for 30.